Fusion
research has accelerated since fusion energy has now been accepted as
one of the few energy options for the future due to serious energy
problems. Such problems include exhaustion of fossil fuels,
environmental problems such as global warming caused by the emission of
greenhouse gases. KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced
Research) was launched in December 1995. Currently, it is in the process
of manufacturing and assembly of its facilities.

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The UC Davis
Plasma Diagnostic Group is developing two innovative microwave imaging
systems for plasma diagnostics on the KSTAR Tokomak. An Electron
Cyclotron Emission Imaging Radiometer (ECEI) is being developed to
measure electron temperature fluctuations and profiles. A Microwave
Imaging Reflectometer (MIR) is being developed to measure electron
density fluctuations and profiles. These two diagnostic instruments are
included in the KSTAR Diagnostic Layout.

KSTAR is a very
important project for the scientific community, and it will make
critical contributions to the world fusion research and development
program. The project will be the most technically advanced fusion energy
device in the world when it is completed. It is designed to incorporate
the current, most advanced technologies for plasma confinement,
including divertor operation and non-circular plasma configurations. In
addition, the project employs the most up-to-date plasma heating
technologies, such as high power, long pulse RF heating at ion cyclotron
frequencies, electron-cyclotron heating with state-of-the-art gyrotrons,
and powerful neutral beam injection.

KSTAR will be an
all-superconducting tokamak , with a major radius of 1.8 m, a plasma
current of 2 MA and a toroidal field of 3.5 T.¡°Steady-state¡± plasma
operation sustained by non-inductive current drive for periods of up to
300 s is anticipated by 2015; pulse duration capability during the
¡°basic¡± operation phase ¡ªscheduled for 2008¨C2013 ¡ª will be 20 s. Other
machine parameters and KSTAR frequency characteristics can be found in
the KSTAR Parameters.

Construction is now is 85.6% complete, 13
of 16 TF coils are finished and tokamak assembly has started. Initial
operation will be at the end of 2007. Please check the latest news in
the Status & Links